Nighttime Matters: New Study Finds Taking Blood Pressure Medication at Night May Offer Added Benefits
Nighttime Matters: New Study & Updated Guidelines for Blood Pressure Management
High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—affects nearly half of U.S. adults and remains one of the leading risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Managing hypertension is critical, but new research and updated guidelines are reshaping what we know about the best ways to protect heart health.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) teamed up with 11 other organizations to release new guidelines, published Aug. 14 in the American Heart Association’s peer-reviewed journals Circulation and Hypertension, as well as in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.
According to the CDC: 120M US Adults; 48% have high blood pressure, and about 62.9M take blood pressure medicine.
What the Study Shows
According to data recently discussed by board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Mahsa Tehrani on America Reports, taking blood pressure medication at night—instead of in the morning—may provide greater benefits for heart health.
The study revealed that nighttime dosing:
Helps improve blood pressure control while you sleep
May better protect against cardiovascular events
Offers potential long-term benefits without increasing risk
This approach, sometimes called “chronotherapy,” aligns treatment with the body’s natural rhythms—recognizing that blood pressure naturally rises and falls over a 24-hour cycle.
What’s Changed in the 2025 Guidelines
Leading health groups are also urging a new, more personalized approach to prevention and treatment. Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all blood pressure charts, doctors are now encouraged to use the PREVENT method (Preventing Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs).
This tool looks beyond blood pressure numbers alone and calculates a person’s 10- and 30-year risk of heart attack or stroke by factoring in:
Cholesterol
Kidney health
Metabolic conditions
Geographical location
Key Updates Include:
Acting Sooner: Doctors are encouraged to intervene earlier—whether that means starting medication sooner or exploring newer options such as GLP-1 drugs for certain patients.
Cutting Sodium Further: New recommendations suggest reducing sodium intake from 2,300 mg/day to 1,500 mg/day.
Reconsidering Alcohol: Past guidance suggested “limiting” alcohol, but the new evidence recommends cutting it out entirely when possible.
For those who choose to drink, the guidance is no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two for men.
As Dr. Jones explains: “There’s a lot of individual variability with the relationship between alcohol and blood pressure, but we put forward the ideal as abstinence. We want you to make an informed decision.”
Together, these changes highlight that prevention is not only about treating high blood pressure after it develops, but also about taking earlier, more tailored steps to protect long-term health.
Why This Matters for Health Equity
While these breakthroughs offer hope for improved heart health, they also highlight the importance of health equity. Hypertension disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities, as well as those facing barriers to care such as lack of insurance, limited access to primary care, or lower access to medications.
If some communities are less likely to receive the latest information, screenings, or resources, disparities in outcomes will only grow. That’s why it’s not just about what science shows—it’s about ensuring that everyone benefits from the science.
What You Can Do
Talk to Your Doctor: Don’t change your medication routine on your own. Speak with your provider about whether nighttime dosing or earlier interventions are right for you.
Know Your Numbers: Regularly check your blood pressure at home or at community health screenings.
Make Lifestyle Shifts: Reducing sodium, reconsidering alcohol, and focusing on healthy eating, regular movement, and stress management remain powerful prevention strategies.
Stay Informed: Following organizations like CTH helps you stay connected to the latest evidence and learn how these findings impact communities differently.
Moving Forward
At the Center for Transformative Health (CTH), we believe that prevention and equity must go hand-in-hand. As new studies and guidelines reshape how we approach chronic disease, our mission is to make sure that information, access, and prevention strategies reach all communities—especially those most affected by disparities.
Want to learn more?
To explore resources on heart health, prevention, and our work to close health gaps. Be sure to schedule a FREE Healthy Conversations That Matter session (virtual or in person) with our CTH team.
Share this message with a friend or loved one—because timing your meds could mean protecting your health.
Original Article Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/cutting-out-alcohol-medicating-sooner-could-prevent-silent-killer-experts-say